Cairns Regional Council’s evacuation strategy has been recognised as an example of outstanding communication with the public on issues of natural disaster.

At the Government Communications Australia Awards in Melbourne, Cairns Regional Council received the award for Best Emergency or Crisis Communications Initiative.

The evacuation strategy consists of the full mapping of storm tide evacuation zones and subsequent communication of evacuation information via published guides, online mapping with property search feature and social media outlets.

“We are the first Council in Queensland to complete a full evacuation strategy and this was acknowledged in Melbourne,” said Council’s Infrastructure Services General Manager Ross McKim.

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“A huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to establish the storm tide data. By communicating the outcomes to the public, we are now more prepared than ever for a natural disaster.”

As well as the Storm Tide Evacuation Guide, Council has produced a Cyclone Preparation Guide that is accessible by people in a variety of ways, and includes guides in a range of languages, a video for hearing-impaired people and an easy-read guide using simple language and diagrams.

Disaster preparation guides, checklists and other relevant information are available via Council’s website.